A/HRC/17/14 rule. Pakistan took note of a number of measures taken to promote economic, social and cultural rights, in particular efforts to provide health and education services at the grassroots level. Pakistan was pleased to note progress in the promotion of women and would expect that advancement in all spheres of life would be instrumental in their struggle to end violence against women, which remains a challenge for Namibian society. Pakistan made a recommendation. 78. Canada commended Namibia for its commitment to promoting human rights, including of women and children, assist HIV/AIDS orphans, and eliminate discrimination against the San people. Recognizing Namibia’s role in the Kimberley Process, it noted the need to strengthen and refine efforts regarding trade in conflict diamonds. Despite measures in place, domestic violence and rape and inequalities, including in accessing and owning land, prevailed. Canada was also concerned at reported sterilizations of women with HIV/AIDS and potential limitations of the right to privacy by the Communications Act. Canada made recommendations. 79. Germany noted the backlog of cases reported by the Human Rights Committee in 2004 and requested an update on progress in the Caprivi trial and when a court ruling was expected. Germany made recommendations. 80. Spain welcomed Namibia’s accession to most international human rights instruments. Spain invited Namibia to begin a process of consultation with representatives of civil society and persons with disabilities concerning the application of recommendations in this review. Spain made recommendations. 81. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized Namibia’s progress since independence. Recognizing capacity issues regarding police, prison and judicial system, it expressed concerns about prison facilities, overcrowding and the length of time for court cases to be heard, which could be considered a violation of international obligations, despite the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence provided for in the Constitution. It made recommendations. 82. Mexico recognized Namibia’s efforts in promoting and ensuring respect for human rights, particularly its efforts in the transition to a parliamentary democracy and noted the establishment of a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. Mexico made recommendations. 83. The United States of America commended Namibia for improvements of the human rights situation despite recent challenges and acknowledged the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman and the projected national human rights action plan. Noting prevailing gender-based violence and traditional practices impeding exercise by women of their inheritance and land ownership rights, it sought information on measures to combat genderbased discriminatory practices. It welcomed the Prevention of Organized Crime Act and the Zero Tolerance Campaign on gender-based violence and human trafficking, but remained concerned at the lack of legislative protection and prevention measures. It made recommendations. 84. Argentina welcomed Namibia’s initiatives to promote the civic participation of children. Argentina enquired about measures taken to strengthen the administration of justice and due process and to improve the political and economic participation of women, with particular attention to women in vulnerable situations. Argentina made recommendations. 85. Australia recognized the impact of poverty, HIV/AIDS and food insecurity on the full enjoyment of human rights in Namibia. Noting its strong ratification record, Australia called on Namibia to implement the commitments in domestic legislation. Noting progress in promoting women’s rights, Australia remained concerned by high rates of rape and 12